Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract [Paperback]

Bill James (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 12, 1988

At last available in paperback, the critically acclaimed bestseller that brilliantly analyzes, turns upside down, ranks the best and the worst of, pokes fun at, and shows a completely new way of viewing the game of baseball. Illustrated.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The national pastime's most eminent statistician and the author of the annual Bill James Baseball Abstract here brings his formidable background to a history of the game, a must for fans. He begins with a decade-by-decade survey from 1870 through 1979, emphasizing the ethos of the sport (for example, the rowdyism of the 1890s) in each period. There are also brief sidebars on oddities and happenings outside the mainstream, including several by James's wife, Susan McCarthy, on changes in uniforms. The second section focuses on the players, with ratings position by position and a list of the game's 100 greatest players, determined by their value at their peak and through their entire careers. Finally, there is an examination of major players, whom James assesses by dozens of criteria. Contributor Jim Carothers opines in a footnote that "if the last library in the world were on fire," The Baseball Encyclopedia would be the book to save. Not so. The one at hand is as informative, and a lot more fun to read. Photos. Preferred Choice Bookplan selection; BOMC alternate. January
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

YAThose dealing with impassioned baseball fans need this book. It will send fanatics into frenzies with its com bination of statistics, sabermetrics (ad vanced baseball number-crunching) and James' lively colloquial analysis of the history of the game and its players. James is never shy about his opinions, and the book will be most appreciated by those who share his predilection for pronouncements. What more could a real fan ask for than a point-by-point argument on the 100 greatest players ever to grace the game?
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 723 pages
• Publisher: Villard; Revised edition (March 12, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0394758056
• ISBN-13: 978-0394758053
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.2 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #699,085 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable resource for serious baseball fans, December 20, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Santa Barbara, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract (Paperback)

If I could keep only two books in my baseball library, Bill James' Historical Abstract would be one of them; the other would be among Total Baseball, Macmillan's Baseball Encyclopedia and STATS' All-Time Major League Handbook. While James has stated he will update this baseball classic (it is over a decade old now), this book has aged much more proudly than most old sports histories. James mixes in colorful anecdotes with crisp analysis and helpful statistical evaluations. The new edition, if it ever is published, will undoubtedly employ updated statistical tools to compare history's best players. In the meantime, grab this book if you can find a copy. I don't know of many owners willing to part with it -- even on loan!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful read., November 12, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract (Paperback)

This hefty volume shines new light on baseball--and sports in general--against the backdrop of American history. Particularly illuminating are the player profiles (check out the pieces on Ty Cobb, Lefty Grove, Ernie Lombardi, Mike Schmidt and Mickey Mantle vs. Willie Mays) and the all-time players' rankings. You'll find yourself re-reading sections just for the sheer joy of immersing yourself in beautifully crafted, cliche-free prose. An essential library addition for anyone who loves the game of baseball.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Baseball Book in My Library, May 22, 2001

By 

David Martinez - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract (Paperback)

As a baseball author myself, I'm pretty picky when it comes to reading about the game. The Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract is the best book in my baseball library, which now approaches 200+ titles. [Somebody] complained about James's opinions, but for me, that's why I read Bill James: for his opinions! James doesn't present opinion as fact; he presents opinion as opinion, fact as fact, and then tries to persuade you that he's right. His work has influenced a number of modern baseball writers, including Rob Neyer of ESPN..., as well as myself. I read James's yearly Abstracts in the 1980s, but it's this book that really got me interested in learning more about baseball.

Apparently, a new edition of the Historical Abstract is due for publication in summer 2001. Buy it!